Invincible 

Mary Jane Ansell made this painting, Invincible, using oil on canvas. We see a young woman wearing a British naval cap emblazoned with the words H.M.S. Invincible, draped in the Union Jack. Ansell, a contemporary British artist, here presents us with an image that invites questions about national identity, gender, and history. The title itself, "Invincible," calls to mind a legacy of British naval power and imperial ambition. Yet, this legacy is filtered through the delicate, almost ethereal figure of a young woman. Consider the historical context, this could be a comment on the changing face of Britain in the 21st century. It might critique traditional symbols of national pride by associating them with a figure that defies conventional expectations. To fully appreciate Ansell's work, we delve into sources like naval archives, studies of British identity, and feminist art history. Only then can we understand how this painting engages with broader cultural conversations.